Doha, December 16 (QNA) - A number of heads of anti-corruption bodies and accountability and transparency officials from around the world praised the efforts of the State of Qatar in strengthening its governance and transparency systems. They affirmed that the state has taken advanced steps to develop its national framework for combating corruption, aligning it with international best practices and the standards set by the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).

The statements were made during their participation in the main session held on the second day of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (CoSP), currently underway in Doha.

The officials highlighted that Qatar has focused on enhancing integrity across its various institutions, both in the public sector and in economic partnerships. They noted that the country has placed significant importance on ensuring accountability and transparency in government procurement processes and the management of natural resources, reflecting its explicit commitment to protecting the public interest and ensuring social justice.

Participants confirmed that Qatar's national policies concentrated on several core areas. This focus involved developing the legislative framework to ensure comprehensive coverage of financial and administrative crimes related to corruption, including broadening the definitions of bribery, imposing strict penalties on individuals and legal entities, and ensuring the accountability of all officials regardless of their position or political influence.

Additionally, the policies focused on strengthening investigation and follow-up mechanisms, which included enhancing the capabilities of independent supervisory bodies to conduct financial and technical inquiries, ensuring the legal rights of third parties are protected, and preventing impunity.

Finally, emphasis was placed on enhancing transparency in public procurement and natural resource management through the adoption of modern digital systems for oversight and disclosure, and ensuring that financial information is accessible to the public in clear and reliable ways.

The participants explained that corruption is not a marginal or hidden problem, but a dynamic force that undermines the rule of law and weakens the integrity of institutions. This, they noted, obstructs sustainable development and hinders efforts to improve the quality of public services. They emphasized that corruption represents one of the most prominent contemporary challenges facing nations, due to its direct impact on public trust in institutions, the stability of the national economy, the security of vital resources, and the effectiveness of the social contract between the state and society.

There was a consensus among the attendees that UNCAC remains the most effective international instrument for combating this phenomenon, and that its robust and effective implementation is a top priority for all states, including those participating in the conference.

They pointed out that international experiences have shown that fighting corruption requires a multi-dimensional approach that includes legislative reforms, strengthening the institutional and oversight framework, improving the transparency of government operations, and developing the professional capacities of specialized investigation and follow-up bodies.

The officials also noted that integrating modern digital technologies, including e-procurement systems and open data management, is an essential tool for curbing abuses and preventing the illegal exploitation of public resources.

The participants stressed that corruption is closely linked to institutional inefficiency, manifesting clearly in cases of abuse of power, conflicts of interest, and mismanagement of public resources. They affirmed that countries successful in reducing corruption have adopted an integrated approach that includes prevention, auditing, accountability, strict procedures for recovering corruption-related assets and funds, providing effective protection for whistleblowers, and strengthening the role of civil society and the media in monitoring violations.

Reviewing their respective countries' experiences in combating corruption, the attendees highlighted the legal and regulatory frameworks necessary to take firm action against any arbitrary practices that weaken the performance of public institutions and undermine justice and progress.

They indicated that implementing legislation and oversight mechanisms alone is insufficient; it also requires fostering a national culture based on integrity and respect for the law, training public officials on ethical workplace values, and encouraging citizens to actively participate in monitoring government performance.

They underscored the importance of strengthening international cooperation in combating corruption, whether through exchanging expertise, supporting joint initiatives, or applying agreements for asset recovery and prosecuting cross-border financial crimes.

The speakers noted that the fight against corruption is not solely the government's responsibility but requires the involvement of all societal stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society, academia, and the media, to ensure continuous and effective oversight and enhance citizens' trust in public institutions. They also stressed the importance of ensuring the independence of supervisory and judicial bodies and creating a legal environment that protects whistleblowers and allows for the accountability of officials at the highest levels.

The officials further pointed out that Qatar's efforts are not limited to national measures; it also plays an active role in fostering international cooperation and sharing its expertise in international and regional forums, contributing to the exchange of best practices and enhancing regional transparency. They viewed these efforts as reflecting the state's deep commitment to achieving sustainable development and ensuring fair and transparent management of public resources, thereby contributing to the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.

The attendees emphasized that combating corruption requires continuous evaluation and review, and a comprehensive approach that combines prevention, training, legislation, law enforcement, modern technology, international cooperation, and community participation. They asserted that Qatar has succeeded in establishing a pioneering national model in this area, combining legal commitment, institutional efficiency, transparency, and accountability, while providing a suitable environment for promoting integrity and fighting all forms of corruption, ensuring the protection of the public interest, reinforcing citizens' trust in state institutions, and guaranteeing the sustainability of economic and social development.

They concluded that international experiences have shown that success in combating corruption is only achieved through integrated and sustained efforts that combine political commitment, legislative development, strengthening oversight institutions, improving transparency, utilizing modern technologies, enhancing civil society participation, and ensuring effective cooperation between nations. This comprehensive approach, they stressed, creates an environment of integrity and justice, achieves sustainable development, and boosts institutional trust at all levels. (QNA)